Twin Creek Campground ~ Salmon National Forest

Flickr album link: Twin Creek Campground

When touring Idaho, camping definitely is the best way to go, especially since the cost of motel accommodations are inflated by 300% to 400% during the summer tourism season in in this state. Even a run down bed bug infested dive motel room costs nearly $200 this time of year, so it is best to avoid civilization altogether and head for the deep woods when it is time to bed down. Avoiding the local restaurants is another way to avoid getting clipped and this is also the means for keeping the constitution intact. Fortunately there are many national forest camping options in Idaho and most are located next to a freshwater resource, which provides an option for putting fresh caught fish on the campfire menu.

The Twin Creek Campground is one such spot and this destination certainly offers a unique deep woods experience in the Salmon National Forest. This campground is located on Highway 93 a few miles north of Gibbonsville, Idaho in the high elevations of the northern Rocky Mountain Range. There are all sorts of dirt roads and hiking trails that head to the mountain wilderness areas that few mainstream tourists will ever see, so setting up a basecamp for an extended stay is a good idea. The North Fork Salmon River and Twin Creek are literally right next door, so be sure to pack some fishing gear for the venture. The wildlife is all around, especially during the early morning hours, so keeping binoculars or a camera handy will be necessary too.

Twin Creek has 40 campsites and a large group picnic area complete with basic facilities, picnic tables and chargrill pits. Drinking water is available, but the closest towns are quite a long distance away, so it is best to stock up heavy prior to arrival. Horseback trail riding is popular in this area and there are places to stable the horses in the general vicinity. The number one source of entertainment is fly fishing, but it is best to be very bear aware in these deep woods, especially when cleaning fish for dinner. Because of the remote location, this is a 100% pack it in-pack it out campground, so refuse storage must also be bear safe. As a bonus, there are several Lewis & Clark Expedition Historic Sites to experience nearby, which will draw the interest of visitors of all ages. Best of all the campsite fees are very reasonable when compared to the price of local lodging options, so be sure to chalk this cozy spot high on the list!